At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategic development of the Beers & Spirits category and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Foodbuy, the UK's leading food procurement organisation within a FTSE 100 company.
- Benefits: Excellent career development, dynamic team environment, and the chance to shape national strategy.
- Other info: Embrace innovation and sustainability in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the Beers & Spirits sector while driving commercial success.
- Qualifications: Experience in the Beers & Spirits industry and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: London (with travel to client & supplier sites)
Business Area: Foodbuy
Join Foodbuy - The UK’s Leading Food Procurement Organisation. Foodbuy is a market‑leading procurement organisation with over £2bn of managed spend, supporting some of the UK’s biggest foodservice and hospitality clients. As part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, we combine scale, expertise, and deep supplier partnerships to deliver outstanding commercial value and innovative solutions for our clients.
We are now looking for a skilled and commercially driven Category Development Manager (Beers & Spirits) to take ownership of a strategic, high‑profile category with a managed spend of approximately £60m, contributing to a wider £126m portfolio. Alcoholic beverages play a vital role across our client base — from independent pubs to major stadiums and well‑known public venues. This role is ideal for someone with industry experience who can hit the ground running.
The Role
- Lead strategic development of the Beers & Spirits category, creating a robust three‑year growth and income plan.
- Manage supplier and contract relationships, including quarterly business reviews and performance oversight.
- Develop market‑driven insights and use competitor data to strengthen Foodbuy’s market position.
- Drive supply chain performance, ensuring contracted manufacturers deliver against service expectations.
- Identify commercial opportunities that enhance client value and category performance.
- Work closely with internal teams across retail, commercial and supply chain.
- Support new business bids, mobilisations and operational projects within the sector.
- Travel to client and supplier sites as required.
What We’re Looking For
Experience & Knowledge
- Strong background in the Beers & Spirits sector.
- Excellent commercial acumen with the ability to deliver against stretching targets.
- Proven experience in supplier management, negotiation and complex contract delivery.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- Experience managing multiple projects with cross‑functional teams.
- Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, pressurised environment.
- Passion for sustainability and supporting CSR objectives.
Your Behaviours & Leadership Style
- Sets high standards and champions quality.
- Takes responsibility and drives priorities effectively.
- Embraces collaboration, diverse thinking and ethical working.
- Influences effectively and challenges constructively.
- Brings energy, positivity and a “can‑do” approach.
- Helps others grow and celebrates team success.
Why Join Foodbuy?
Joining Foodbuy means becoming part of a dynamic team at the heart of a FTSE 100 organisation. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Shape strategy for a major category with national impact.
- Build relationships with leading brands and suppliers.
- Deliver commercial success for a wide range of clients.
- Access excellent career development pathways within Compass Group.
- Work in a business that values innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement.
How to Apply
If you’re commercially driven, passionate about the Beers & Spirits industry, and eager to influence a high‑profile category within one of the UK’s most respected procurement organisations, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help shape the future of Beers & Spirits at Foodbuy.
Category Manager in London employer: Foodbuy
Foodbuy is an exceptional employer that offers a vibrant work culture within a FTSE 100 organisation, where you can shape the strategy for a major category with national impact. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, employees benefit from excellent career development pathways and the opportunity to build relationships with leading brands and suppliers in the Beers & Spirits sector. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration, celebrates success, and drives continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the Beers & Spirits industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Foodbuy and its competitors. Understand their market position and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will show you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Category Development Manager. Highlight your commercial acumen and supplier management skills, and don’t forget to showcase your passion for sustainability.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Foodbuy and making an impact in the Beers & Spirits category.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in the Beers & Spirits sector and any relevant achievements that showcase your commercial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for the industry and how your skills align with our goals at Foodbuy. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since the role requires strong analytical skills, be sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. We love seeing how you can turn insights into action!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Foodbuy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foodbuy
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Beers & Spirits sector. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and market dynamics. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to Foodbuy's strategic goals.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or negotiated contracts in the past. Highlight your ability to deliver against targets and how your analytical skills have led to actionable insights. This will demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Team Success
Foodbuy values teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams in previous roles. Share stories that showcase your collaborative spirit and how you’ve helped others grow, as this aligns with their leadership style.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about Foodbuy's approach to sustainability in the Beers & Spirits category or how they measure success in supplier performance. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company’s values.
